Outdoor body-suspension device

ABSTRACT

An outdoor body-suspension device (100) having two ropes (11) connected to each other at one end thereof, a connector (15), for connecting the ropes to a stationary facility, each of the ropes having a rigid handle assembly (12) including (a) a chassis (20), (b) a fastener connected to the chassis, for fastening the handle assembly to a rope, (c) a releasing mechanism of the fastener, and (d) a handle (16), where in one configuration the fastener includes two ribbed grasping jaws (18a, 18b) for grasping a rope, and a releasing mechanism, and in another configuration the fastener includes a spring (19) applying force on one of the grasping-jaws against the other grasping-jaw, and a button (17) such that pushing the button results in a loosening of a grasp of the grasping-jaws on each other.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the field of suspension training facilities.

BACKGROUND

TRX, the acronym of Total Resistance Exercising, is a specialized form of suspension training that utilizes equipment developed by former U.S. Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick. It uses body weight exercises to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously.

“TRX's designers claim that it draws on research from the military, pro sports, and academic institutions along with experience gathered from the TRX team, who work with thousands of athletes, coaches, trainers, first responders, subject matter experts, professors, and service members in all branches.” (From Wikipedia)

FIG. 1 pictorially illustrates an outdoor TRX device, according to the prior art.

A common TRX comprises two straps 11 connected at one end thereof 13; each of the straps 11 comprises a handle 16 and/or a loop at the other end thereof.

The user 10 anchors the TRX device 100 at the connection point of the straps on a stationary object 14, such as a tree (outdoor) or a bar (indoor). During the training the user suspends his body on the TRX device while holding the handles/loops 16.

One of the obstacles a TRX designer has to deal with is the straps length adjustment mechanism, which each trainee adjusts according to its needs and preferences. As such, this mechanism is exposed to wear and tear more than the other parts of a TRX device. Especially, in outdoor exercising yards, where multiple users use the same TRX device, the wear and tear problem is most acute, and such TRX facilities have to be replaced “quite often”.

In the prior art, the adjusting mechanism 28 of the length of the cords 11 is well known, since the cords are straps. However, this mechanism will not do for a thicker cord, such as a rope.

CA2747612C disclose “an exercise strap comprises an upper strap and a lower strap. A plurality of loop members are located on the lower strap to allow for handles to be easily removed and replaced on different locations on the lower strap. An adjustment member attached to both the upper strap and the lower strap allows for the overall length of the exercise strap to be adjusted. A strap attachment member attached to the upper strap connects the exercise strap to a suitable mounting mechanism.”

US8007413B1 discloses “an exerciser with length-adjustable inelastic straps. The exerciser includes two straps and a handle mounted to an end each strap. A connecting member is mounted to the other end of each strap. The exerciser further includes a suspension member having an inelastic strap. A stop is engaged with an end of the inelastic strap. A retaining ring is engaged with the other end of the inelastic strap. A plurality of rings is fixed to the inelastic strap. The retaining member is releasably engageable with one of the rings, so that the inelastic strap forms a loop. The connecting member is releasably engaged with one of the rings. The inelastic strap is mounted around a rod or the like or extended through a gap between a door and a door frame, allowing user to perform exercises resisting the weight of the user.”

US8998780B2 discloses an “equipment allows a user to target different muscle groups using tri-planar coordination of movement, which was previously difficult (if not impossible) to achieve using conventional suspension training equipment. This is done by providing a resistance between suspension training straps, namely, by mechanically coupling an elastic band between the suspension training straps.”

All the solutions of the prior art have not yet provided satisfactory solutions to the wear and tear problem of a body-suspension device.

SUMMARY

The invention, in embodiments thereof, is directed to an outdoor body-suspension device (100), comprising:

-   -   two ropes (11), connected to each other at one end thereof;     -   a connector (15), for connecting the ropes to a stationary         facility;     -   each of the ropes having a rigid handle assembly (12)         comprising:         -   (a) a chassis (20);         -   (b) a fastener (18 a, 18 b) connected to the chassis, for             fastening the handle assembly to a rope;         -   (c) a releasing mechanism of the fastener (17, 24); and         -   (d) a handle (16).

Preferably, the fastener comprises two grasping jaws (18 a, 18 b) for grasping a rope by the releasing mechanism.

Preferably, the grasping jaws are ribbed, for increasing a grasp of a rope.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastener comprises a spring (19) applying force on one of the grasping jaws against the other grasping-jaw, and a button (17) such that pushing the button results in a loosening of a grasp of the grasping-jaws on each other.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the fastener comprises a screw (24) for applying force of one of the grasping jaws against the other.

Preferably, the angle between the pulling axis of the handle assembly (26) and the axis of the rope (27) is greater than zero, for preventing of a contact between a hand of a user to the loose part of the rope.

Preferably, each of the bolts of the device which is accessible by a user is a one-way screw, thereby preventing from a user to dismantle the device, i.e., maintains its safety.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the fastener includes a ratchet mechanism for allowing decreasing a length of the rope between the connector and the handle assembly.

The reference numbers have been used to point out elements in the embodiments described and illustrated herein, in order to facilitate the understanding of the invention. They are meant to be merely illustrative, and not limiting. Also, the foregoing embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated in conjunction with systems and methods thereof, which are meant to be merely illustrative, and not limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments, features, and aspects of the invention are described herein in conjunction with the following drawings:

FIG. 1 pictorially illustrates an outdoor TRX device, according to the prior art.

FIG. 2 pictorially illustrates an outdoor body-suspension device, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a front perspective view and a back perspective view of a handle assembly 12 of an outdoor body-suspension device, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are each exploded views schematically illustrating a handle assembly of an outdoor body-suspension device, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view schematically illustrating a handle assembly of an outdoor body-suspension device, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a side view of a handle assembly 12 of an outdoor body-suspension device, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c illustrate the structure of a handle assembly of an outdoor body-suspension device, according to a further embodiment of the invention.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will be understood from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, which are meant to be descriptive and not limiting. For the sake of brevity, some well-known features, methods, systems, procedures, components, circuits, and so on, are not described in detail.

FIG. 2 pictorially illustrates an outdoor body-suspension device, according to one embodiment of the invention.

The body-suspension device, which is marked herein by reference numeral 100, comprises two ropes 11, connected at one end thereof by a connector 13, and tied to a stationary facility 14 by a connector 15. A handle assembly 12 is connected to each of the ropes, between its ends.

“A rope is a group of yarns, plies, fibers or strands that are twisted or braided together into a larger and stronger form. Ropes have tensile strength and so can be used for dragging and lifting. Rope is thicker and stronger than similarly constructed cord, string, and twine.” (From Wikipedia)

The use of ropes instead of straps provides to a body-suspension device a strength which is required for diminishing the wear thereof; on the other hand the prior art adjustment mechanism used for the straps in the prior art cannot be used in the case of ropes.

It should be noted that the handle assembly 12 is not connected to the rope at the end thereof, but between its ends. As it is an outdoor device that anyone can use, its wear is intense and therefore a solution to diminish the wear rate is required.

As mentioned, instead of straps as in the prior art, according to an embodiment of the invention the body-suspension device makes use of ropes. In addition the connection mechanism of each handle assembly to the rope should provide safety (i.e., diminish the chance of disengagement) and low wear.

The illustration shows how a user 10 leans his body on the ropes 11 by holding the handle assemblies 12 which are connected to the ropes.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a front perspective view and a back perspective view of a handle assembly 12 of an outdoor body-suspension device, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Each of the handle assemblies 12 comprises a handle 16.

Each of the handle assemblies 12 grasps its rope 11. Upon pushing button 17, the grasp is released thereby allowing moving the handle assembly 12 to another location along the rope 11. Thus, each user can easily change the length between the connection point of each rope, and the handle assembly thereof.

Each of FIGS. 4 and 5 is an exploded view schematically illustrating a handle assembly of an outdoor body-suspension device, according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 shows the exploded parts from one point of view, while FIG. 5 shows the exploded view from an opposite point of view.

The massive part of the handle assembly is the chassis 20. According to Wikipedia, a chassis is the load-bearing framework of an artificial object, which structurally supports the object in its construction and function. In this case the chassis supports the handle and the rope grasping mechanism, as explained herein.

Elements 18 a and 18 b are grasping-jaws. Each of the grasping grasping-jaws is in a form of a “half cylinder”. It comprises prominent ribs for increasing the grasp. For the sake of clarity the ribs are not marked by a reference numeral; however they are seen well in this figure.

Grasping-jaw 18 b is secured to the chassis 20 by bolts, which for the sake of clarity are not shown in the figure.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a cover. The cover 21 is secured to the chassis 20 by bolts 22.

A spring 19 intermediates between cover 21 and the grasping jaw 18 a. By pushing a button 17, the grasping-jaw 18 a separates from grasping jaw 18 b, thereby releasing the grasping on the rope 11, which allows placing the handle assembly in another location along the rope 11.

In order to prevent from a user to open a handle assembly, the bolts are preferably one-way screws. This way the handle assembly 12 grasping remains massive, thereby contributing to the safety of the users.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view schematically illustrating a handle assembly of an outdoor body-suspension device, according to another embodiment of the invention.

The difference between this embodiment of the invention to the embodiment of the previous two figures is that this embodiment uses a bolt 24 to fasten the grasping jaws to each other. Element 23 is a bearing; it makes the fastening effort easier for a user.

Since in this embodiment the fastening degree depends on the user, the user is exposed to errors, which may cause him to fall down. In the previous embodiment the power of the spring fastens the grasping jaws to each other, and the user cannot change this force.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a side view of a handle assembly 12 of an outdoor body-suspension device, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Numeral 25 denotes an axis of a rope of a body-suspension device; numeral 26 denotes an axis of the handle assembly; and numeral 27 denotes an angle between the rope axis and the handle assembly axis.

As illustrated, angle 27 is greater than zero, for prevention of a contact between a hand of a user to the loose part of a rope, i.e., the lower side (from the handle assembly 12).

FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c illustrate the structure of a handle assembly of an outdoor body-suspension device, according to a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8a illustrates an exploded view of the handle.

FIG. 8b illustrates a side view of the mechanism that secures the rope 11 to the handle assmebly 12; and

FIG. 8c is a perspective view of the mechanism that secures the rope 11 to the handle assembly 12.

According to this embodiment of the invention, the fastener comprises a ratchet which allows shortening the length of rope 11 between the connector 13 and the handle assembly 12 towards the connector 13, the user has to push the handle assembly 12 upwards along the rope; however in order to extend the length of rope 11 between the connector 13 and the handle assembly 12, the user has to push the button 17 and pull the handle assembly 12 downwards.

“A ratchet is a mechanical device that allows continuous linear or rotary motion in only one direction while preventing motion in the opposite direction.” (From Wikipedia)

Reference numeral 30 denotes a securing mechanism; numeral 31 denotes a hinge; numeral 32 denotes a protrusion that is pushed by button 17 in order to move the securing mechanism 30 away from rope 11; numeral 34 denotes a ribbed surface; numeral 33 denotes a spring that pushes the ribbed surface 34 towards the rope 11.

The securing mechanism 30 replaces the grasping jaw 18 a of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, while the supporting element 29 replaces the other grasping jaw 18 b.

The securing mechanism 30 comprises a ribbed surface 34, rotatable around hinge 31. A spring 33 pushes the ribbed surface against the rope 11.

There is no resistance for pulling the handle assembly 12 upwards (according to the figure orientation), and therefore the user may shorten the length of rope 11 (between the connector 13 and the handle assembly 12) without pushing button 17.

Upon pulling the rope downwards, the friction generated between the ribbed surface 34 and the rope 12 secures the securing mechanism 30 to the rope.

Upon pushing the button 17 towards the cover 21, the securing mechanism 30 is moved away from the rope, and therefore the securing mechanism 30 can be moved in both directions, up and down, i.e., the user can set the length of the rope 11 (between the connector 13 and the handle assembly 12) as he desires.

In the figures and/or description herein, the following reference numerals (Reference Signs List) have been mentioned:

-   -   numeral 10 denotes a user;     -   numeral 11 denotes a rope of a body-suspension device;     -   numeral 12 denotes a handle assembly;     -   numeral 13 denotes a connector for connecting two ropes to each         other;     -   numeral 14 denotes a stationary facility for connecting a         body-suspension device thereto;     -   numeral 15 denotes a connector, for connecting a body-suspension         device to a stationary facility;     -   numeral 16 denotes a body-suspension device handle;     -   numeral 17 denotes a button;     -   each of numerals 18 a and 18 b denotes a grasping-jaw;     -   numeral 19 denotes a spring;     -   numeral 20 denotes a chassis of a handle assembly;     -   numeral 21 denotes a cover of a handle assembly;     -   numeral 22 denotes a bolt;     -   numeral 23 denotes a bearing;     -   numeral 24 denotes a bolt;     -   numeral 25 denotes an axis of a rope of a body-suspension         device;     -   numeral 26 denotes an axis of the handle assembly;     -   numeral 27 denotes an angle between the rope axis and the handle         assembly axis;     -   numeral 28 denotes a strap fastener;     -   numeral 29 denotes a supporting element;     -   numeral 30 denotes a securing mechanism;     -   numeral 31 denotes a hinge;     -   numeral 32 denotes a ledge that is pushed by button 12 in order         to move the securing mechanism 30 away from rope 11;     -   numeral 33 denotes a spring; and     -   numeral 34 denotes a ribbed surface.

In the description herein, the following references have been mentioned: CA2747612C, US8007413B1, US8998780B2 and US8998780B2.

The foregoing description and illustrations of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the above description in any form.

Any term that has been defined above and used in the claims, should to be interpreted according to this definition. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An outdoor body-suspension device, comprising: two ropes, connected to each other at one end thereof; and a connector, for connecting said ropes to a stationary facility, each of said ropes having a rigid handle assembly comprising (a) a chassis, (b) a fastener connected to said chassis, for fastening said handle assembly to a rope, (c) a releasing mechanism of said fastener, and (d) a handle.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said fastener comprising two grasping-jaws for grasping a rope by said releasing mechanism.
 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein each of said grasping jaws comprises ribs, for increasing a grasp of a rope.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said fastener comprises a spring applying force on one of said grasping-jaws against the other grasping-jaw, and a button such that pushing said button results in a loosening of a grasp of said grasping-jaws on each other.
 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said fastener comprises a screw for applying force of one of said grasping-jaws against the other.
 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein an angle between a pulling axis of said handle assembly and a axis of a rope thereof is greater than zero, for preventing of a contact between a hand of a user to a loose part of said rope.
 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein each bolt of said device which is accessible by a user is a one-way screw.
 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein said fastener comprises a ratchet mechanism for allowing decreasing a length of said rope between said connector and said handle assembly. 